Marching Bass Drum Technique

Guide And Exercise Packet

THE ROLE OF THE BASS LINE
The role of the bass drummer is one that requires many levels of accountability in
the following areas: Individual performance, percussion ensemble and full ensemble
responsibilities. The bass line consists of four (sometimes 5) individuals with exact
interpretation of rhythm, space, volume, touch, sound quality, and flow. All of these
elements combined create a seamless individual bass line with all of the qualities desired
for perfect blend, balance, and articulation. The bass line, within the full marching
battery, serves as a foundation for all of the sounds around it. It is the “bass voice” of the
battery “choir”. While intensifying impacts, adding volume, and doubling other voices in
the ensemble, it can also serve as a soloistic voice. All of these aspects can be utilized in
their fullest potential. Along with being the unyielding support of the marching battery,
the bass drum section also plays a major role within the entire music ensemble.
Providing rhythmic and spatial reference points along with volume, impact, and motion
are just some fo the main character traits of an effective and impressive bass line.
Ensemble cohesion often depends on exact clarity in all fundamental aspects of the bass
line. This section is considered by many to be perhaps the most important of a marching
battery.

GOALS
By defining five key physical requirements of playing the bass drum, the bass line
as a while will reach performance at the highest level. Exact uniformity in technique,
touch, sound quality, rhythmic and dynamic clarity are the main ingredients required to
establish the perfect sound. There are two aspects of these that must happen
simultaneously: Individual accountability and full bass line ensemble awareness. With
all of this in place, the bass line will function as a single voice, unnoticeably performed
by a quartet (or quintet).

GRIP
The grip used is very similar to that of a snare drum matched grip, except the
hands are rotated so that the wrists are vertical instead of horizontal. The thumb and
index finger form a “fulcrum” on the mallet. There should not be a gap between the
thumb and the third knuckle of the index. The rest of the fingers should be wrapped
around the mallet very naturally. It’s very important to not introduce tension in the hand.
This grip should be approached with relaxation in mind.
INTERPRETING 2’s and 3’s
Making sure that the members of the bass line all understand how to interpret 2’s
(ex. 16th notes) and 3’s (ex. 24th notes, half of a sextuplet) is curcial to their success.
Here are four general rules that must be applied in the order presented:

1. The first thing that must happen when approaching 2’s and 3’s is that the figure is
started in the precise point in time that it is written to begin sounding. If the
figure starts on the “&” of the beat, then the player needs to make sure that this
happens first. If he/she plays a “3” perfectly spaced, not too open or too closed,
and it is balanced and blended perfectly with the other players but the starting
point of the figure is misplaced slightly in time, all chance of smoothness and
continuity of the musical phrase are lost.
2. The next step is to make sure the rhythm played after the starting point is correct.
The tendency that most players have is to play the rhythms too closed.
Sometimes, if the player is playing their figure on the downbeat, it is more
difficult to properly space out the rhythm than if it was started on the “&” because
there is not as strong of a beat after it to play to. When starting on the “&” the
figure usually continues up to the next downbeat, which is where the foot hits as
well.
3. The next skill to master must be articulation. To get each note to speak clearly,
the player must slightly crescendo each one. When a bass drum is struck it has a
resonance that can last up to 1 ½ to 3 seconds until it completely dies away. If
someone is playing a “3”, the attack of the second and third notes will be slightly
covered up by thte resonance of the note played before it. So if the player plays
all four notes at exactly the same volume he articulation will sound “muddier”.
From farther away it’s almost completely unnoticeable. Using this technique
allows each note to be clearly heard over the constantly resonating head and it
helps smooth out the musical phrase. The worst habit many bass drummers
acquire is accenting the first note of the figure because they are so focused on
starting it at the correct point in time.
4. Once the bass drummer has mastered starting the rhythm in the correct place,
spacing out the rhythm correctly, and articulating the right way, he/she can now
begin to notice how they are blending in with the bass line around them. One
cannot really begin to analyze how they are playing with the other musicians until
all 4 (or 5) of them have mastered the first 3 steps. Balance and blend is not
possible at the highest level unless the more basic skills are second nature to the
players. If the first 3 steps are mastered, now we do small adjustments to certain
phrases to make sure that each player is contributing musically to the entire
ensemble.
EQUIPMENT AND IMPLEMENTS
When rehearsing at stand-still (no drill) the line will utilize Stadium Hardware
stands for their instruments. It will be each musician’s individual responsibility to
transport their own stand to and from the rehearsal area. Additionally, when the group
travels each musician will load and unload his/her own equipment which will include
drum(s), carrier(s), and stand(s).

The bass line will utilize Vic Firth “Corpsmaster” Bass Drum Mallets in the
following sizes: Bass 1 – MB1H; Bass 2 & 3 – MB2H; Bass 4 – MB3H. All mallets
must be taped with white electrical tape in the following manner: bare wood from the
butt end to apx. 5 inches up the mallet; remainder of mallet taped in a spiral pattern, with
apx. 1/4 width overlap to end of wood, just below the felt. These exacting standards will
ensure a uniform look and sound throughout the line.

All bass line members must have the following items for every
rehearsal/class/performance:

• 1 roll white electrical tape

(available anywhere)
• 1 pair Vic Firth “Ralph Hardiman” sticks – WOOD TIP
(available anywhere)
• “Gummed” type practice pad
(available anywhere)
• 1 flip folio (for stand/pep-band music)
(available through band office)
• 1 BLACK 3-ring binder with apx. 25 sheet protectors
(available anywhere)
• Travel stick bag (zipper type recommended)

Please note that additional items may be required for camps and more information
will be forthcoming.
EXERCISES

1. 8 On A Hand
This is the primary “loosen up” exercise for the line. The KEY is to
maintain a steady tempo and stroke velocity throughout.
MM=80 up to MM=160.
2. Double Beat
This is a variation on the standard double beat exercise. Pay particular
attention to making all 16th notes/patterns evenly spaced out.
MM=80 up to MM=160
3. Unison Warmups
These exercises are varied but there are NO split parts for tenor or bass
lines. Concentrate on nice, even strokes and tempos.
MM=80 up to MM=160
4. Green
This exercise is our standard full percussion ensemble exercise and will
incorporate the front ensemble.
MM= 80 up to MM=130

CADENCES
1. Street Beat 2011
This is the standard street cadence for the 2011 EPCHS Drum Line. This
cadence is divided into 6 distinct sections, with each section capable of
running in a stand-alone role.
MM=120
2. EP Backbeat
This is a secondary cadence that will primarily be used when entering the
football stadium for games. This may also be used for homecoming
“through the halls” as well as in the stands and at pep-rallys.
MM=120
3. 2011 Field Cadence **bass line only**
This is the cadence that will be played every time the band exits the
football field after completing the competition field show.
MM=120
4. Roll-off 2011
Forget what you’ve heard in the past, this is the new and improved
EPCHS roll-off. Only 20 counts long from start to finish, it must be
played strong and with confidence.
MM=120
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Bass Drums
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Basses (4)
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 Field Cadence
Basses (4)
B Gregory

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Basses (4)
B Gregory

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